Above: Xavier's 2015 Bene Merenti winners, Cindy Castro
and Maureen Reinhart P'94 '99 (Harisch Studios).

Faces of Xavier: Cindy Castro & Maureen Reinhart

The Bene Merenti Award is given to faculty and staff who have contributed 20+ years of service to Xavier. This year, two of Xavier’s most talented, loyal employees are being honored—French and Spanish teacher Cindy Castro, who twice served as chair of the Modern and Classical Languages Department, and Assistant to the Dean of Students Maureen Reinhart P’94 99. To mark their achievement, Mrs. Castro and Mrs. Reinhart spoke with the Xavier E-News.

Xavier E-News: What brought you to Xavier 20 years ago?
Maureen Reinhart: I was very familiar with Xavier, as my husband and son were members of the class of ’69 & ’94 respectively, and when I was at an Open House with my younger son (eventually class of ’99) I mentioned to the Headmaster, Rev. Terrence Baum, S.J., that if ever there was an opening in the administrative offices to let me know. Former Dean of Students Frank Gregory P'80 '86 '87 called and asked if I was interested in being his assistant, and the rest is history.
Cindy Castro: When I first decided to come to Xavier, I was seeking a school that would offer me more varied teaching opportunities and that had a vibrant foreign language program. Xavier was a language teacher's dream come true with its four-year language program. Since then I have not looked back once.

E-News: What's kept you at Xavier for two decades?
MR: The students. I like to brag that we have some of the greatest boys in the New York area pass through our doors. As freshmen, they arrive like little lost lambs, and they leave us prepared to face all that life has to offer them. I’ve also met some of the best faculty and staff that anyone could work with. Kairos retreats, CFX trips, interaction with the students, and meeting so many great Jesuits over the years has helped me be the woman I am today—a woman for others.
CC: The students here are amazing. Throughout the years I have taught young men from many backgrounds and have contributed to making them the people that they are today. My colleagues are talented and supportive individuals. Administrators, faculty, staff—we are all here for the same reason, and that is to serve our students. At Xavier we do this very well and are constantly seeking the Magis in our instruction. Xavier truly lives its precept of men and women for others.

E-News: What are your favorite Xavier traditions?
MR: Maroon and Blue Day—lots of fun! Mass of the Holy Spirit, when we come together to pray and prepare for another year together, and of course Kairos and CFX.
CC: Xavier is steeped in tradition. These traditions are what define Xavier. There are so many wonderful practices that anchor us in Xavier history, but I would have to say that my favorites are the Baccalaureate Mass and Maroon and Blue Day—the former because it allows soon-to-be Xavier graduates, their families, and my colleagues to celebrate in a solemn and grand way; the latter because, well, it's just a lot of fun. In addition, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the Magis retreat. It is a wonderful opportunity for self-reflection and prayer that allows us to become closer to our students.

E-News: How has Xavier changed since 1995?
MR: It has gotten bigger—more students bring more stories and happenings, which leads to never having a dull moment in the Dean of Students office!
CC: In the 20 years that I have been here, the physical plant has undergone many changes—all for the better. The language program has changed tremendously as we strive to keep up with the changing society in which our students live and learn. However, the character and the spirit of the instruction has remained the same as we are guided by the Jesuit system of education.

E-News: What have been the most memorable experiences of your 20 years on 16th Street?
MR: Lunch with my ladies, attending reunions with my husband and sons and now seeing some of my former students at the reunions, participating in Kairos and CFX, and creating wonderful friendships and working with my five Deans of Students.
CC: Among my best memories are the students and their efforts to learn a new language. These efforts have made me proud and made me laugh—both good things! I will close with a thank you to all of those who have helped me to grow and become the person that I am. In my time here at Xavier, I have lost several family members, had two wonderful children, and recently remarried, all against the backdrop of this wonderful and supportive institution. I am very lucky to be a part of Xavier.